Method and apparatus for managing ambient conditions

ABSTRACT

A heat transfer system with a surface member having a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface, and a thermal conduit attached to and spaced across the first surface, the thermal conduit adapted to receive a thermal media to heat or cool the heat transfer surface to heat or cool a body within the heat transfer surface. A method of heating or cooling a body including providing a heat transfer system comprising a surface member having a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface, and a thermal conduit attached to and spaced across the first surface, the thermal conduit adapted to receive a thermal media to heat or cool the heat transfer surface, positioning the heat transfer system proximate the body, and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to the heat transfer system to heat or cool the body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable heat transfer surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible membrane associated with hoses adapted to circulate a thermal media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In industrial construction such as earthwork/earth moving, construction of oil & gas pipelines, maintenance of vessels or tanks, building construction, and other operations require heating or cooling in order to provide for operations to safely and efficiently continue in adverse climates or adverse ambient conditions. The equipment, work, and personnel may require protection from the ambient conditions and/or the localized ambient conditions may require management.

In cold climates, the topsoil or at least some depth of the earth's surface may freeze which may inhibit earthwork, such as digging or trenching. Traditionally thawing or warming of the ground may be accomplished by covering the ground with a combustible material such as coal or straw and burning the combustible material, covering the ground with a sheet or tarp and forcing heated air under the sheet or tarp until the ground is sufficiently thawed, or distributing a number of hoses across the ground and then covering the hoses with a sheet or tarp, the hoses separate from the sheet or tarp, and then pumping a heated fluid through the hoses. These operations may be time consuming and inefficient in both set up and operation.

In a related field, pipeline construction requires the creation of a trench, into which the pipeline is placed. Additional weight or ballast may be required to help overcome or counteract the buoyant forces that tend to push the pipeline upward, such as groundwater. This weight or ballast may be provided by concrete weights that are set on or poured in place (on the pipeline) along a length of the pipeline, typically spaced apart one from the next. To obtain proper strength and other characteristics the concrete pour must be properly cured.

Generally, in the curing of concrete, best practices include managing moisture (humidity) and temperature, for a period of time. These stringent requirements can be difficult to meet in times of cold or hot temperatures.

Presently, the poured concrete may be heated with indirect forced air heaters which heat the cold ambient air to provide heated air into a makeshift enclosure constructed to enclose a portion of the poured concrete (such as hoarding). One challenge is that the makeshift enclosure (such as hoarding) may be susceptible to wind damage. Another challenge is that the cold air can be very dry, and once heated that very dry hot air can pull moisture from the poured concrete, making it difficult to maintain the humidity for proper curing. In addition, the air heater, which may include an open flame, is an added fire risk.

In a related field, tanks or vessels, such as those in the oil and gas industry or otherwise require periodic maintenance, such as inspection, testing, coating, etc. During the winter months in cold climates, these can be difficult tasks.

Presently, heated air may be ducted into the tank or vessel to warm the interior of the tank or vessel. If it's an uninsulated tank or vessel, the heat losses can be quite large due to the relatively large amount of surface area. In the case of coating the surface of the tank or vessel, it is desirable to provide a certain temperature range at the surface being coated, which can be difficult to provide with heated air, due to the fact that the air temperature is hot at the duct outlet, but cooler elsewhere, and the desired temperature range my be relatively narrow.

In a related field, general construction such as commercial construction, residential construction, industrial construction etc. must sometimes proceed in cold weather. Presently, personnel, equipment or work product such as concrete pours may require localized control of the ambient conditions. This may be accomplished by forced air heaters and some form of cover or hoarding.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system and method that provides for a localized ambient condition control or management to allow these industrial operations to continue in cold or hot conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous methods and apparatus for controlling a localized climate or ambient condition.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a heat transfer system including a surface member having a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface, and a thermal conduit attached to and spaced across the first surface, the thermal conduit adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source or heat sink across the heat transfer surface.

In one embodiment the surface member is a flexible membrane. In one embodiment the flexible membrane is a fabric. In one embodiment, the flexible membrane is a tarp or polyethylene sheet. In one embodiment, the surface member is a substantially rigid membrane, for example a pre-shaped form designed to correspond generally the shape of the body.

In one embodiment, the first surface is an energy reflecting surface. In one embodiment, the second surface comprising an energy absorbing surface. In one embodiment the surface member is adapted to restrict or inhibit the flow of water vapor through the surface member. In one embodiment, the heat transfer system includes an insulating member proximate the second surface of the surface member.

In one embodiment, the thermal conduit is releasably attached to the first surface. In one embodiment, the heat transfer system includes a channel for releasably retaining the thermal conduit. In one embodiment, the channel includes a mesh.

In one embodiment, the thermal conduit is a flexible hose.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of heating or cooling a body including providing a heat transfer system having a surface member with a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface; and a thermal conduit attached to and spaced across the first surface, the thermal conduit adapted to receive a thermal media to heat or cool the heat transfer surface, positioning the heat transfer system proximate the body, and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to the heat transfer system to heat or cool the body.

In one embodiment, the method includes reversing the flow direction of the thermal media upon a triggering event. In one embodiment, the triggering event is selected from the group of expiry of a selected time period, detecting a selected outlet temperature, and detecting a selected temperature difference.

In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a specified temperature range and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to maintain the temperature of the body substantially within the specified temperature range.

In one embodiment, the method includes securing the heat transfer system in place. In one embodiment, the heat transfer system is secured in place with a shrink wrap membrane wrapped about the heat transfer system. In one embodiment, at least a partial thermal insulating air barrier is formed between the body and the shrink wrap membrane. In one embodiment, the shrink wrap and the surface member are substantially in contact, such that no substantial air barrier is formed.

In one embodiment, the body includes a tank or vessel, the tank or vessel having a perimeter wall and roof or head forming a shell, the wall having a wall mass. In one embodiment, the heat transfer system is provided proximate at least a portion of the shell external to the tank or vessel, and heating or cooling a fluid within the tank or vessel using the heat transfer system.

In one embodiment, the method includes performing an operation internal to the tank or vessel, for example but not limited to a construction operation, a preparation operation, a maintenance operation, or a repair operation etc. In one embodiment, the maintenance operation includes applying a coating to the wall.

In one embodiment, the body includes an area of frozen ground, and thawing the frozen ground to allow earthwork.

In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a specified temperature range and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to maintain the temperature of the interior wall, taking into account the wall mass, substantially within the specified temperature range. The specified temperature range may be in the range between about −40° F. (−40° C.) and about 32° F. (0° C.), between about 32° F. (0° C.) and about 110° F. (43° C.), or between about 110° F. (43° C.) and about 212° F. (100° C.). The specified temperature range may include a high temperature limit, or a low temperature limit (such as about 32° F. (0° C.)). In one embodiment, the specified temperature range is between about 70° F. (21° C.) and about 110° F. (43° C.) for epoxy coating or industrial coating.

In one embodiment, the body includes a concrete pour. In one embodiment, the concrete pour is selected from the group of pipeline weight, footing, retaining wall, piling cap, foundation wall, structural columns, suspended slab, and slab-on-grade. In one embodiment, the specified temperature range being between about 75° F. (24° C.) and about 80° F. (27° C.) for curing the concrete pour.

In one embodiment, the heat transfer surface is substantially in contact with the body. In one embodiment, the heat transfer surface is at least partially spaced from the body to form a gap. In one embodiment, water vapor is retained by the surface member.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a surface member for a heat transfer system including a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface, the first surface having a channel adapted to releasably retain a thermal conduit in spaced relation across the first surface.

In one embodiment, the channel includes a mesh. In one embodiment, the channel includes a non-mesh, having a substantially closed surface.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a surface member of the present invention with attached thermal conduit;

FIG. 2 is a thermal unit, including boiler and heat exchanger of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a method of the present invention applied to a tank (in this case one maintenance operation and one tank contents heating);

FIG. 4 is a method of the present invention applied to a concrete pour (in this case a pipeline weight); and

FIG. 5 is a method of the present invention applied to a concrete pour or an area of frozen ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present invention provides a system and methods for stand-alone portable management of heating, cooling, temperature maintenance, insulation, and vapour control.

Referring to FIG. 1, a surface member 10 of the present invention includes a sheet 20 having a first surface 30 and a second surface 40. A thermal conduit 50 extending from an inlet 60 to an outlet 70 is attached to the first surface 30 (shown), the second surface 40 (not shown), or both the first surface 30 and the second surface 40 (not shown). The surface member 10 is a modular integration of the thermal conduit 50 and the sheet 20, and provide a variety of functions including heat transfer, insulation (heat transfer retardation), and vapor barrier. The first surface 30 may be heat reflective, for example light colored, such as white, silver, or mirrored. The second surface 40 may be heat absorbing, for example dark colored, such as black.

The sheet 20 may be flexible or rigid and may be shaped or cut to conform to a body for the intended use. The sheet 20 is preferably flexible, for example fabric, cloth, canvas, rubber, vinyl, or plastic tarp, such as polyethylene plastic tarp.

The thermal conduit 50 may be attached to the sheet 20 by a variety of methods, such as adhesive, bonding, or preferably is retained within a channel 80. The channel 80 is preferably formed by a mesh 90 welded or stitched to the sheet 20. The mesh 90 may form a substantially continuous channel 80 or may intermittently retain the thermal conduit 50 at spaced apart locations. The mesh 90 may be at least semi-transparent or translucent to allow the observation of the thermal conduit 50 to aid in the detection of leaks from the thermal conduit 50. The mesh 90 may be liquid permeable to aid in the detection of leaks from the thermal conduit 50. The surface member 10 may be useable in combination with a number of different sizes and/or configurations of thermal conduit 50 in a modular design. The modular design also provides simplified repair or maintenance. In the event that one of the surface member 10 or the thermal conduit 50 is damaged, the damaged component may be repaired or replaced without the need to discard the other of the surface member 10 or the thermal conduit 50.

The thermal conduit 50 may be substantially uniformly spaced across the sheet 20 to provide a generally uniform heat distribution across the area of the surface member 10.

Thermal media 100 is received to the inlet 60 and returned from the outlet 70. The thermal media 100 is heated (thermal media 100 h) or cooled/chilled (thermal media 100 c) by a thermal unit 110 (see FIG. 2).

The thermal conduit 50 which is woven into the sheet 20 (slid through the mesh 90 forming channel 80 which holds it in place on one side of the sheet 20) carry the heated (or cooled) thermal media 100, for example water, glycol, oil, steam, air or another fluid whether liquid or vapor, from the thermal unit 110, and act as a conductive or radiant heat exchanger—depending upon the solid, liquid or vapour (such as air) being heated. The sheet 20 may also provide insulating qualities, for example of itself, or by forming an air space between the sheet 20 and the body that is being heated or cooled. The amount of heat transfer is determined by the temperature of the thermal media 100, material, length of the thermal conduit 50 within the surface member 10, diameter of the thermal conduit 50, spacing of the thermal conduit 50, flow rate of the thermal media 100, flow reverser 270 (FIG. 4), and over-all system hose lengths. The surface member 10 is designed to allow different configurations and types of thermal conduit 50 as required by the application. As such, one (or a few) designs of the sheet 20 may be used with a variety of interchangeable sizes and designs of the thermal conduit 50 as required by the application to provide a wide variety of modular designs and configurations and energy flux (heating or cooling) for the surface member 10.

The surface member 10 may be constructed of a variety of layered materials including nylon (mesh hose fastening material), reflective metallic materials, and entrapped air pockets. This construction provides an insulator, heat reflector, and vapor barrier.

The physical construction of the surface member 10 also reflects its application. Robust in construction, its size and detail will vary, as it is handled by hand or by machine. Its designed to function in remote locations, rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, and blowing snow.

Referring to FIG. 2, the thermal unit 110 may provide heated thermal media 100 h (heating unit 110 h) or cooled thermal media 100 c (cooling unit 110 c). As shown, the thermal unit 110 includes a heat source in the form of a boiler or steam generator 112 h. The steam flows through a heat exchanger 114 to heat the thermal media 100 h. Alternatively, the thermal unit 110 includes a heat sink in the form of a chiller or refrigeration unit 112 c. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger 114 to cool the thermal media 100 c. Alternatively, the thermal unit 110 includes a heating unit 116 h or cooling unit 116 c provides the thermal media 100 h or thermal media 100 c (i.e. directly without the need for the heat exchanger 114). The thermal unit 110 may operate on an energy source including diesel, propane, natural gas, solar, wind, steam (e.g. including steam drive or steam heat exchanger), electricity, battery, or other source of energy or a combination thereof. The thermal unit controls a temperature-range for the thermal media 100, and provides heating (or cooling) for a mixture of glycol and water (or other fluids) which acts as a medium for transferring heat to the surface member 10 (FIG. 1).

An electric generator (not shown) or other energy source (as above) may provide electricity or other energy for a pump, instrumentation, and controls in the thermal unit 110, the mixer booster 120 (see FIG. 4), and the flow reverser 270 (see FIG. 4).

Portable or fixed manifolds 130 act as distribution points for connecting hoses 140 between the thermal unit 110 and the surface member 10 (or plurality of surface members 10).

Referring to FIG. 3, a thermal unit 110 (FIG. 2) in the form of a heating unit 116 h provides heated thermal media 100 h. A number of connecting hoses 140 connect the surface member 10. The surface member 10 (which may be a single unit or a plurality of units) is wrapped or hung along the walls of the tank or vessel 150 and provides heat transfer into the tank or vessel 150 from the exterior wall 160 to allow for the user 180 to apply a coating 190 to the interior wall 170 of the tank or vessel 150.

Also shown, alternatively, the surface member 10 provides heat transfer into the tank or vessel 200 from the exterior wall 210 to heat or maintain the temperature of the contents 230 inside the interior wall 220 of the tank or vessel 200 to or at a specified or selected temperature. In this configuration, the contents 230 may be, for example, the product or material in the tank or vessel 200, or the contents 230 may be, for example, the hydrotest fluid (for example water) maintained at a specified or selected temperature for the duration of the hdyrotest (however, there would not be a vapor space between the contents 230 and the roof of the tank or vessel 200 in a hydrotest application).

In both examples, the surface member 10 may also provide insulation. In both examples, the surface member 10 is shown partially removed (unwrapped) from the tank or vessel 150 or the tank or vessel 200. In normal operation, the surface member 10 substantially encloses the tank or vessel 150 or the tank 200 as the case may be. The outside of the surface member 10 may be wrapped with an air impermeable barrier 290, such as polyethylene film commonly referred to as shrink wrap.

Referring to FIG. 4, a thermal unit 110 (FIG. 2) in the form of a heating unit 116 h provides heated thermal media 100 h. A mixer-booster 120 and a flow reverser 270 both optional are shown added to the fluid circuit. The mixer-booster 120 optionally provides additional pumping power (and more refined temperature control) for the system. The mixer booster 120 may provide recycle or recirculation, for example if the thermal media 100 h is too hot for the specified temperature range desired. The flow reverser 270 optionally reverses direction of flow through the entire hose system, thereby equalizing the average temperature throughout the entire hose system. For example, the flow may flow one direction until a triggering event occurs, such as a selected time period has elapsed, a selected outlet temperature is reached, or a selected temperature difference is reached, or otherwise, and then the direction of flow is reversed.

The connecting hoses 140 connect the surface member 10 and the mixer-booster 120. The surface member 10 is wrapped or placed proximate a concrete weight 240 for a pipeline 245 and provides heat transfer into the concrete weight 240 to maintain a selected temperature for proper curing of the concrete pour (in this case a concrete weight 240). In addition, the surface member 10 may provide a vapor barrier to keep moisture within the wrap, to further aid the curing of the concrete pour. The surface member 10 is shown partially removed (unwrapped) from the concrete weight 240. In normal operation, the surface member 10 substantially encloses the concrete weight 240, at least the outer perimeter. The outside of the surface member 10 may be wrapped with an air impermeable barrier 290, such as a plastic or other material. One suitable material is polyethylene film, commonly referred to as shrink wrap.

Referring to FIG. 5, a thermal unit 110 (FIG. 2) in the form of a heating unit 116 h provides heated thermal media 100 h. The connecting hoses 140 connect the surface member 10 and the thermal unit 110. The surface member 10 is placed on or proximate a frozen ground surface 250 or a concrete pour 260 and provides heat transfer into the frozen ground surface 250 or the concrete pour 260. In the case of the frozen ground surface 250, the heat transfer over a period of time provides thawing of the frozen ground surface 250, for example to facilitate excavation, piling, footings, or other construction or maintenance operations.

In the case of the concrete pour 260, the heat transfer maintains a selected temperature for proper curing of the concrete pour 260. In addition, the surface member 10 may provide a vapor barrier or partial vapor barrier to keep moisture within the wrap, to further aid the curing process. While shown as a relatively planar concrete pour 260, the present method is applicable to other configurations of the concrete pour 260, including but not limited to footings, retaining walls, piling caps, foundation walls, structural columns, suspended slabs, slabs-on-grade etc. The variety of layout/routing of the thermal conduit 50 is exemplary of just some of the possible spacing of the thermal conduit 50 and there typically could be a variety of layout/routings. The configuration of FIG. 1 is more typical.

Applications and use are numerous and potentially never ending as the system can be used for virtually any heat, thaw, cure, dry, or cooling application in any industry. The present invention provides for the management of temperature and optionally vapour or air flow. Some heating applications range from but are not limited to curing pipeline concrete ballast, tank coating, fluids heating, concrete curing in general, ground thaw, hoarding, and hydro testing (by maintaining temperature above freezing temperature of the hydro test fluid such as water and/or maintaining wall temperature during hydro test such as when required due to material properties).

In the case of cold ambient conditions, the system may provide heating, and in the case of hot ambient conditions, the system may provide cooling.

The mixer booster 120 (FIG. 4) and/or the flow reverser 270 (FIG. 4) are optional but either one or both may be added to the thermal media 100 circuit. In some cases, the flow reverser 270 would be used without the mixer booster 120. In other cases, if specific control of temperature is required or additional pumping head or flow, the mixer booster could be used without the flow reverser 270. In other cases, both the mixer booster 120 and the flow reverser 270 would be used simultaneously.

In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto. 

1. A heat transfer system comprising: a. a surface member having a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface; and b. a thermal conduit attached to and spaced across the first surface, the thermal conduit adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source or heat sink across the heat transfer surface.
 2. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the surface member comprising a flexible membrane.
 3. The heat transfer system of claim 2, the flexible membrane comprising a fabric.
 4. The heat transfer system of claim 2, the surface member comprising a tarp.
 5. The heat transfer system of claim 4, the surface member comprising polyethylene sheet.
 6. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the surface member comprising a substantially rigid membrane.
 7. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the first surface comprising an energy reflecting surface.
 8. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the second surface comprising an energy absorbing surface.
 9. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the surface member adapted to restrict the flow of water vapor through the surface member.
 10. The heat transfer system of claim 1, further comprising an insulating member proximate the second surface of the surface member.
 11. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the thermal conduit releasably attached to the first surface.
 12. The heat transfer system of claim 1, further comprising a channel for releasably retaining the thermal conduit.
 13. The heat transfer system of claim 12, the channel comprising a mesh.
 14. The heat transfer system of claim 12, the channel comprising a non-mesh material.
 15. The heat transfer system of claim 1, wherein the thermal conduit comprises a flexible hose.
 16. A method of heating or cooling a body comprising: a. providing a heat transfer system comprising a surface member having a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface; and a thermal conduit attached to and spaced across the first surface, the thermal conduit adapted to receive a thermal media to provide a heat source or heat sink across the heat transfer surface; b. positioning the heat transfer system proximate the body; and c. supplying heated or cooled thermal media to the heat transfer system to heat or cool the body. d.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising reversing the flow direction of the thermal media upon a triggering event.
 18. The method of claim 17, the triggering event selected from the group of expiry of a selected time period, detecting a selected outlet temperature from the heat transfer system, and detecting a selected temperature difference across the heat transfer system.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising selecting a specified temperature range and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to maintain the temperature of the body substantially within the specified temperature range.
 20. The method of claim 19, the specified temperature range between about ˜40° F. (−40° C.) and about 32° F. (0° C.).
 21. The method of claim 19, the specified temperature range between about 32° F. (0° C.) and about 110° F. (43° C.).
 22. The method of claim 19, the specified temperature range between about 110° F. (43° C.) and about 212° F. (100° C.).
 23. The method of claim 19, the specified temperature range comprising a high temperature limit.
 24. The method of claim 19, the specified temperature range comprising a low temperature limit.
 25. The method of claim 24, the low temperature limit being about 32° F. (0° C.).
 26. The method of claim 16, further comprising securing the heat transfer system in place.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the heat transfer system is secured in place with a shrink wrap membrane wrapped about the heat transfer system.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein at least a partial thermal insulating air barrier is formed between the body and the shrink wrap membrane.
 29. The method of claim 16, the body comprising a tank or vessel, the tank or vessel having a perimeter wall and roof or head forming a shell, the wall having a wall mass.
 30. The method of claim 29, the heat transfer system proximate at least a portion of the shell external to the tank or vessel, further comprising heating or cooling a fluid within the tank or vessel using the heat transfer system.
 31. The method of claim 29, the heat transfer system proximate the shell external to the tank or vessel, further comprising performing an operation internal to the tank or vessel.
 32. The method of claim 31, the operation comprising applying a coating to the wall.
 33. The method of claim 16, the body comprising an area of frozen ground, further comprising thawing the frozen ground to allow earthwork.
 34. The method of claim 32, further comprising selecting a specified temperature range and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to maintain the temperature of the interior wall, taking into account the wall mass, substantially within the specified temperature range.
 35. The method of claim 34, the specified temperature range being between about 70° F. (21° C.) and about 110° F. (43° C.) for epoxy or industrial coating.
 36. The method of claim 19, the body comprising a concrete pour.
 37. The method of claim 36, the concrete pour selected from the group of pipeline weight, footing, retaining wall, piling cap, foundation wall, structural columns, suspended slab, and slab-on-grade.
 38. The method of claim 36, the specified temperature range being between about 75° F. (24° C.) and about 80° F. (27° C.) for curing the concrete pour.
 39. The method of claim 16 wherein the heat transfer surface is substantially in contact with the body.
 40. The method of claim 16, wherein the heat transfer surface is at least partially spaced from the body to form a gap.
 41. The method of claim 16, wherein water vapor is retained by the surface member.
 42. A surface member for a heat transfer system comprising a first surface and a second surface, forming a heat transfer surface, the first surface having a channel adapted to releasably retain a thermal conduit in spaced relation across the first surface.
 43. The surface member of claim 42, the channel comprising a mesh. 